Veteran lured back to airways

Brent Impey is returning to the airwaves as the Radio Live drivetime host. Photo / Janna Dixon

Hardened veteran Brent Impey is returning to the airwaves as the Radio Live drivetime host.

The former MediaWorks boss, instrumental in setting up Radio Live, says it took one quick call from the station's boss to lure him into the slot vacated by Maggie Barry.

He joins a controversial line-up of hosts, headed by Wanganui's ex-mayor Michael Laws, disgraced Cabinet minister John Tamihere, former Parliamentary firebrand Willie Jackson, and the voice of the south, Bluff's Marcus Lush.

Impey said the new role was a "full circle" turnaround after a long broadcasting career with Radio Pacific before rising through the ranks to become head of TV3's parent company.

"I'm going to bring in some new features, lining up new guests. It is going to be exciting. It will certainly be different."

Impey, who has filled almost every slot in talkback radio, starts on January 24 and will be in the role for at least three months until a permanent replacement is found.

Impey has filled in on Michael Laws' breakfast show and hosted a debate between the controversial host and Joe Karam on David Bain last year. "Maggie is a very good broadcaster but I will have a different style. I have got to keep Willie and JT honest," he said.